Team-by-Team: Week 18 Motivation, Awards, and Playoff Outlook (Episode 832 with Evan Silva and Adam Levitan)
Dec 31, 2024
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This discussion dives into Saquon Barkley's push for a rushing record versus the possibility of resting players. The debate heightens around Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson for MVP, along with Coach of the Year contenders. Quirky player performances are highlighted, alongside playoff implications for teams like the Rams and Saints. Attention also shifts to disappointing squads and crucial coaching decisions as Week 18 approaches, with anticipation for emerging talents and rookie showdowns adding to the excitement of postseason strategies.
Saquon Barkley's impressive performance in Week 17 raises questions about whether he will play in Week 18 due to record implications.
The motivation level of NFL teams heading into Week 18 is crucial for forecasting player utilization and affecting daily fantasy sports decisions.
Coaching strategies, as exemplified by the Green Bay Packers' conservative approach, significantly influence team performance and player outputs in critical matchups.
Deep dives
Week 18 Motivation Analysis
The episode discusses the importance of Week 18 in the NFL, particularly focusing on team motivation as many teams may rest starters. The hosts emphasize Adam Levitan's motivation article, which is critical for analyzing team strategies as playoff implications are at stake. They rank each team's motivation on a scale of one to ten and highlight how this affects game plans and roster decisions, especially for teams with nothing to gain in the standings. Understanding who plays and for how long can majorly impact daily fantasy sports (DFS) decisions.
Standout Player Performances
Several players had noteworthy performances in Week 17 that set the stage for Week 18. Saquon Barkley had an impressive showing, accumulating 31 carries for 167 yards, reaching over 2,000 rushing yards for the season. However, there's tension surrounding whether he will play in Week 18, as he is only 101 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s rushing record. The hosts also mention Devonta Smith and his significant target share in the absence of Dallas Goddard, indicating his potential as a key player in upcoming playoff games.
Recap of Week 17 Highlights
In Week 17, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers showcased their offensive prowess by steamrolling the Carolina Panthers with 48 points. Baker Mayfield delivered an outstanding performance, marking one of his best games of the season. Furthermore, the host notes that Bucky Irving has become a crucial part of the Buccaneers' offense, significantly outworking Rashad White in touches. The Buccaneers' successful strategy illustrates the risk and reward nature of fantasy football, particularly in pivotal matchups.
Quarterback Developments
Drew Locke's surprising play against the Colts demonstrates the unpredictability of quarterback performances in the NFL. With Locke throwing for 309 yards and four touchdowns on only 23 attempts, this highlights the volatility of starting quarterbacks and their potential in the fantasy landscape. Meanwhile, J.K. Dobbins made a remarkable comeback after his knee injury, indicating a critical connection between team health and playoff viability. The hosts express interest in how these performances influence planning for the future, particularly in regards to fantasy drafts.
Impact of Coaching Decisions
Coaching decisions, particularly about game plans and player utilization, play a pivotal role in team success and fantasy relevance. The hosts criticize the Green Bay Packers for their overly conservative run game's commitment in a critical matchup against the top-ranked defense, which ultimately led to a disappointing defeat. This situation underscores the importance of adapting strategies based on circumstances to maximize both team performance and individual player potential. Moreover, they speculate whether the Packers will shift their approach in future games based on these lessons learned.
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